Saturday, November 24, 2012

I was super excited when Kaleb Nation announced his new book. And now I am even more excited because he just announced the title and the release date: Harken - 1/13/13. Go check out the website: readharken.com and sign up for emails. Also check out Kaleb Nation on YouTube. And remember: don't trust anyone.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Of all of the things her dad could have told her, why did he have to say that she, Kylie Galen, was a chameleon? What did that even mean? And why did he tell her that the would figure it out together?

Kylie's life has always been a mess, but this - this topped it all off. Between trying to figure out what being a chameleon is and figuring out her feelings for both Lucas and Derek, Kylie is stressed out to the the max. Being a chameleon has almost distracted her from her ghost problems. Almost.

When the ghost she is helping looks suspiciously like the camp leader, Holiday, Kylie really begins to freak. The ghost wants to tell her something important, but like every other ghost Kylie has ever come across, this ghost won't just come out and say it. And with the possibility of Mario's gang being after her Kylie just wants to stop worrying about everything.

Kylie's world has never been thrown into such disarray before. C.C. Hunter is able to show how Kylie's life is spinning out of control and readers will be with Kylie every step of the way. More than one mystery is taking place in Whispers at Moonrise (the fourth book in the Shadow Falls series; other reviews can be found here) and readers will read chapter after chapter to see if their suspicions are correct. Out of all of the Shadow Falls books, Whispers at Moonrise is more focused on the mystery surrounding Kylie and her ghosts, but it still has the love triangle between Kylie, Lucas, and Derek. There is even mystery in Kylie's love life. What exactly is Lucas up to and why won't he tell her things? Join Kylie in finding out what her future holds for her and those she cares for in Whispers at Moonrise.

Received ARC from publisher. Whispers at Moonrise will be available October 2, 2012.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

So, as you have probably figured out, my posts have been a bit all over the place and this is because school is kicking my ass. Well kind of. I'm enjoying my classes but I seem to have a ton of reading homework with all of my classes. This means that posting is going to happen when ever it happens - especially since one of my classes requires me to keep a blog for class (again) and that kind of takes precedence over the blog I keep for fun (aka: this blog).

In other news, I received my ARC of Whispers at Moonrise by C.C. Hunter!! And I have read it, so be expecting that review in the future (and by future I mean like later today or tomorrow). I have been completely over the moon with this book and I really want to read more. I absolutely love all of the swag I received with the book as well. I'm going to have to take a picture of everything and put it up here. I still have a bunch of bookmarks...maybe I will put together some kind of giveaway. What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments and maybe give me ideas of when I should do said giveaway. It might be after I reach a certain number of followers. Who knows.

Other things in my life are pretty normal. I am getting into the swing of things here at school and things are going well. Bad news is that there are massive wildfires near my home town and I really wish I could be there to see it (you can apparently see it from my parents' house). I warned my mom not to let my dad go fire watching...it didn't go so well the last time. Here are some photos that I took:

Badger Mountain Fire 2008

Badger Mountain Fire 2008

Badger Mountain Fire 2008

Badger Mountain Fire 2008

Just so we are all clear - I want to be home so I can see the fire and take pictures, but I am also concerned because a ton of people have been evacuated from their homes and I am sure that it is really hard for them. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been evacuated.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Percy Jackson thinks that he is an ordinary kid. He couldn't be further from the truth. Truth is he's a demigod. And not just any demigod either. Turns out he's the son of one of the Big Three - Poseidon in fact. Also turns out that Zeus is out to get him because the "King of the Gods" thinks the Percy stole his precious Master Bolt. To make matters worse, Percy's mom has been kidnapped by Hades.

Now Percy and his friends, Grover and Annabeth, must travel across the country to confront Hades and they meet some interesting people along the way. Will Percy find the Master Bolt and save his mom before the deadline? Will they figure out who is behind the deadly plot stirring among the gods? And most importantly will Percy ever find out the prophecy that might explain his fate?

Rick Riordan's first Percy Jackson novel is exciting for readers of all ages. Those interested in modern Greek mythology will have a fun time reading Percy's adventure. Percy is a fun character who is easy to relate to. Readers will fall in love with Percy and his gang of friends and will want to read the rest of the books right away.

Sadie and Carter Kane continue to follow the path of the Ancient Egyptian gods in order to restore the world from the powers of Chaos. The brother and sister pair have much to lose if they are unable to restore Ma'at, including themselves.

Sadie still struggles with her two loves, Walt Stone - the boy who is cursed - and Anubis - the god of funerals. Carter also has continued romantic struggles with Zia Rashid.

The two will have to split up and unite the gods if they ever have a chance of winning against Chaos and Apophis. It is a rush against very limited time - with they be able to destroy the snake or will they be consumed by Chaos forever?

The Serpent's Shadow is the final installment in The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan (book one and book two). Told in the point of views of both Sadie and Carter, this book is full of wit as well as serious moments. It is a great ending to the chronicles and if readers enjoy Riordan's other works they will be sure to enjoy this book as well. Perhaps readers will see Sadie and Carter sometime in the future as the ending leaves the book rather open ended.

Pia has never known more than the enclosed scientific community she has grown up in. Bred by scientist to be the first of an immortal race, Pia has been groomed to become a scientist herself and then to become head of the entire project. Their purpose: to create an entire immortal race.

For Pia, her entire life has been spent hidden from the world and the world hidden from her. Until just before her seventeenth birthday, that is. A new scientist helps Pia open her eyes to the ignorance she has been taught and the night of Pia's seventeenth birthday, she discovers a hole in the fence of the enclosed compound. Yearning for a chance to see some part, even a small part, of the outside world draws her outside.

In the Amazon jungle she has always seen, but never stepped foot in, Pia meets Eio - a boy from a nearby village. The attraction is instant as they race to discover the history of Pia's origin. How she was created and how others of her kind can be created. The truth could get them killed and will change both their lives forever.

Overall I thought the book was great. I really got into it and I enjoyed the plot. There were small things that confused me, like the passage of time. I wasn't quite sure how much time had passed from the beginning of the novel to the end and the days seemed to mesh together. Other than confusion with the passage of time, Pia was a strongly voiced narrator. Readers will be able to feel her confusion at all of the secrets and her passion for what she believes is right. Pia is a strongly relatable character. Parts of the book were more gruesome than I expected and there were times when the gruesome bits made me feel a bit green. Other than those two complaints and some minor grammar errors, the book was really good. The romance of the jungle and the first boy Pia meets are driving factors in the novel as much as the secrets of Little Cam - the scientific community. I feel that older teens will enjoy the book a bit more than younger teens or tweens.

I received an ARC from Goodreads Firstreads. The book comes out in September.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Kylie Galen still doesn't know what she is and she wants to know so badly that it physically hurts. She also wants to know who she is supposed to be with: Derek or Lucas. Why is it so hard to choose? And her true family; she still doesn't know who they are or why it is so hard for her to find them. But maybe the unsolved mysteries are better unsolved...

It doesn't help that Kylie's latest ghost has amnesia. How is Kylie supposed to help when the ghost can't even remember who she is? And the ghost's only warning: someone lives and someone dies. As if things weren't creepy enough.

Always seeming to race against time, Kylie tries to uncover the past and unlock the secrets to a discovery that is more astonishing than she could have ever thought possible - what she really is.

Once again, C.C. Hunter takes readers on a fantastic ride through a world of magic and mystery. Kylie's ever growing and learning character will make readers continue to fall in love with her over and over again. Some questions will finally be answered, and new questions will be raised. What does this mean for Kylie? Will she ever be able to choose between Derek and Lucas? Will she ever be safe in Shadow Falls? Find out in Taken at Dusk! (reviews for books one and two can be found here and here)

Sophie Mercer has been through more than she would like to admit. Striped of her powers, but not powerless, Sophie finds out that there is more to her family history than just being a demon. Her mother is the daughter of Aislinn Brannick - the Brannicks being nearly as terrible as the Eye when it comes to Prodigium.

However, the Brannicks aren't nearly as terrible as Sophie has once believed. They know of a way to stop the demons from being made and to put things back they way they should be and the Brannicks seem to think that Sophie is the key.

Without her powers, Sophie isn't convinced that she will be able to stop anything, let alone the end of the world. Will she be able to get her powers back before it is too late? Or will the evil lurking at Hex Hall rule over all?

This final installment in the Hex Hall trilogy will keep readers enthralled. With twist and turns, much like the first two books (Hex Hall and Demonglass), Spell Bound is a book that readers won't put down until they are finished. Sophie is a strong and determined character and even though she is a demon, her boy problems are just like any teens. Will she be able to choose between Archer and Cal? And will Elodie's ghost ever leave her alone?

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Which is why she had been sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for troubled teens who aren't exactly human. However this wasn't the case. Well, she did need reform school, but she isn't exactly a witch. Now she knows the secret of her family and her ex-über-hot-crush, Archer Cross, works for The Eye (a group that is hell bent on destroying all Prodigium - fairies, witches, shapeshifter, etc.).

Now that she knows she is a demon, Sophie wants to go through the Removal. Her powers have the ability to destroy everything she loves, therefore she believes that she must go to London to remove her powers in order to keep those she loves safe.

When Sophie arrives, however, she discovers that she and her dad aren't the only ones of their kind - there are two others staying with them for the summer. This means that someone is raising demons in secret and for some plot that Sophie can't even begin to fathom. And among all of that, The Eye is creeping closer and they are using Archer Cross to do so. But it isn't like Sophie still has feelings for him, right?

This second book in the Hex Hall trilogy has twists and turns that readers won't believe. Sophie is still as spunky as ever and she is willing to fight - whether it be Archer or her father. Readers won't want to put the book down and the ending is sure to make them go out and buy the third book in an instant.

Kylie Galen still has no clue what she is. Being at Shadow Falls surrounded by vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, witches, and fairies doesn't help her feelings of wanting to belong. Everyone seems to belong to a group except for her. All Kylie knows is that there is a new ghost that doesn't let her sleep past dawn. A ghost that keeps insisting that someone Kylie knows is going to die before the summer is over.

Even with the death of someone she cares for looming over her, Kylie's biggest problem seems to be her love life. Or rather the ache she feels now that Lucas, the handsome werewolf, has left camp, even though he has been visiting her in her dreams. Then there is Derek, the charmingly sexy half fae, who wants their relationship to become more serious. Kylie knows that she will have to choose, but how? Both guys care for her and not knowing who to choose pains her.

However, a dark supernatural force is within Shadow Falls causes Kylie to put romance on the back burner. Whatever it is threatens everything and everyone Kylie cares for at camp, but it also brings her closer to who she is and her destiny. All Kylie wants to know is: when will she finally get a break in the madness?

The second book in the Shadow Falls Series is just as captivating as the first (Born at Midnight). Kylie's struggles to find out who she is are central to the plot and will drive readers crazy with wanting to know more. There seem to be even more secrets to unravel as the book moves along and readers will rush through the pages to solve the mysteries - of who, or rather, what Kylie is; of whom is the ghost speaking; and what exactly is running around the forests of Shadow Falls?

Tess Davies was just a servant working for the Lisles, a wealthy family, when she boarded the Titanic. Tess has been dreaming of this day; the day that she arrives in America and can be free of the Lisles and the pains they have caused her in the past. That is until she meets Alec.

From the moment Tess laid eyes on Alec, she knew her fate was about to change. Just one little problem: Alec is a first-class passenger and he has a ship-full of secrets. One of which is his reason for leaving Europe in such a hurry.

Before Tess realizes she is up to her neck in the secrets Alec possesses: werewolves exist and not only are they after Alec, but her as well. Her growing relationship with Alec puts her in mortal danger, but what everyone doesn't know is that they are all in danger in the deceptively calm waters of the Atlantic.

Claudia Gray spins an alluring tale of romance, werewolves, and of course the Titanic in Fateful. Readers will enjoy the heart gripping passages and fast paced story telling as Tess takes them on a one of a kind adventure. Will Alec and Tess live happily ever after? Will they meet their doom on the "Ship of Dreams?" Or will something a little more sinister cause their end?

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The 39 Clues have been found, but the Cahill's weren't the only ones looking.

Vespers Rising takes readers through the history of the Cahill family and answers the questions asked by every reader - what exactly happened to the original Cahill clan? Starting with Gideon Cahill all the way through to Amy and Dan, readers will go on an adventure through the centuries to figure out the Cahill family secret and who the Vespers are.

Written in four parts by Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, and Jude Watson, readers will be sure to enjoy every moment of this action packed eleventh book of The 39 Clues series. Secrets will be revealed and danger lurks behind every page. This book is the prefect opener to the newest part of the series: Cahills vs. Vespers.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Kylie Galen never thought that she would ever end up at a camp for troubled teens. One little mistake and her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls (well the therapist might have had something to do with it too). Upon arrival it becomes obvious that her fellow camp-mates aren't just "troubled teens." Shadow Falls is a summer camp for training fairies, vampires, werewolves, witches, and shapeshifters. While the groups may not all get along, they all train together to learn to control their magic in order to rejoin the normal world.

Kylie has never felt normal, but she doesn't feel like she belongs at Shadow Falls either. Everyone insists she is one of them - a freak - and that she wouldn't be there if there wasn't a reason.

For someone who has no wish to cause trouble, trouble seems to be attracted to her and their names are Derek and Lucas. Derek is half fae and he and Kylie seem to have an instant attraction. There there is Lucas...a totally hot werewolf Kylie shares a past with. If there was one person she thought she would never see again, it was Lucas.

As confusing as Shadow Falls can be for some one who has never seen been anything but "human" before, Kylie knows it is where she belongs.

This is the first book in the Shadow Falls series and readers who enjoyed Hex Hall will love this book as well. Kylie has always known that there was something off about her, but once she is at Shadow Falls it becomes clear that people have kept secrets from her all her life. Readers will be intrigued by the plot, not to mention the two extremely good looking guys that vie for Kylie's attention. Once finished, readers will beg for more wanting to know the secrets in Kylie's life.

Sophie Mercer is a witch. You know, black hats, and cats. Plus some mistakes...okay, a lot of mistakes. Which have landed her in Hex Hall, a reform school for others like her. Well, and some fairies and vampires. Not to mention the werewolves and other shifters.

By the end of her first day, Sophie knows she doesn't have any more luck at Hex Hall then she did in the mortal world. The three most popular girls in school hate her, she is crushing on one seriously hot warlock who happens to be way out of her league, and to make it all worse her roommate is a vampire that the entire school seems to hate.

Then things become even worse. Something is attacking students and Sophie's only friend is on top of the lists of suspects...in fact she is the only suspect. As the plot unfolds, Sophie realizes that not everything is as it seems and that her life is in danger.

Readers will love Sophie's spunk and daring in the first book of the Hex Hall trilogy. As the mystery unfolds it becomes clear that Sophie is at the center of a great web of confusion and danger. Page after page and chapter after chapter, readers will have trouble putting the book down. Sophie's story is engaging and exciting to read.

Nevada Hendrix is happy for her triplet sisters, she really is. Its just that even her mother has a more active love life than she does. And to make matters worse, she just applied for her dream job. Not that her dream job is a bad thing, but it is her future boss causing the issues. Her boss happens to be her first love; the very first person to break her heart.

Tucker Janack knew there was a chance of running into Nevada when he came back to Fool's Gold. He just never thought that she would be applying for the job with his company. Trying to leave the past behind and keeping things "just business" might be harder than either of them thought.

As things heat up will they be able to overcome their differences or will the past come back to haunt them?

This last book about the Hendrix triplets is sure to give readers warm and fuzzy feelings. Both Tucker and Nevada are lovable characters. Fool's Gold continues to be a charming Northwestern town that many readers will wish they could actually visit. With characters old and new, readers will be wanting to get their hands on anything Fool's Gold related after finishing this book.

Instead of blogging (I know, I'm sorry! I'm trying, I swear on the precious!) I have been reading...which mostly means that I am even further behind on reviews. *sigh* I mean, that is kind of good and bad news at the same time. Good news: more reviews. Bad news: it is going to take forever. Not that I want it to take forever, but it is hard to keep up sometimes. Especially now because school starts on the 20th.

So here is the list of books I have read since the last update post (and no, I still haven't finished reading Brisingr...):

Origin by Jessica Khoury (I received an ARC from Goodreads First Reads)

Cloaked by Alex Flinn

Matched by Ally Condie

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Underworld by Meg Cabot

Eternal Vows by Chrissy Peebles

Eternal Destiny by Chrissy Peebles

I am trying to catch up on reviews. Keep watching for them because they are on their way.

Montana Hendrix has always had difficulty finding her place in life, but now she finally has a job she can see herself going places with. Working with dogs, training them to be service animals, seems like the best job in the world. Until she screws up royally.

Cue hansome, out of town, pain in the ass, surgeon Simon Bradley. Simon would much rather leave the mess of reality behind. He buries himself in his work - helping severely burned children become semi whole again. He knows that these children will never be deemed "beautiful" or "normal" ever again, but he also knows that he can help make a difference in their lives.

Both physically and emotionally scarred, Simon doesn't know what to make of the bubbly Montana Hendrix. Will Montana be able to break through Simon's seemingly impenetrable walls, or will Simon move on like he has his entire life?

This continuation of the Fool's Gold series by Susan Mallery is a light and fluffy read. Readers will fall in love with both Simon and Montana as the mysteries of their pasts are revealed. This heartfelt romance will be a great summer read, especially if readers have enjoyed Mallery's other works.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

So apparently this is a chain award (kind of like those chain letters you used to do in junior high) given out by bloggers to other bloggers because they feel that certain bloggers deserve more recognition. I just want to say a quick thanks to Ana who runs The Adventures Within blog. Everyone should totally check it out!

Award Rules:

1. Each person must post 10 facts about themselves.
2. Answer 10 questions the tagger has given you and give 10 questions for the people you've tagged.
3. Choose 10 people and link them in your post.
4. Tell them you've tagged them.
5. Remember, no tag backs.

Ten Random Facts About Me:

1. I am about to start my fifth year of college.
2. I have written fan fiction since I was fourteen.
3. I have only had one boyfriend.
4. My sister and I don't get along. In fact, we have never really gotten along.
5. My birthday is December 25, Christmas Day.
6. My goal is to visit all fifty United States. So far I have visited 17.
7. I have completed a young adult novel. I am in the process of editing it for the fifth or sixth time.
8. I have three dogs. All of which annoy the crap out of me, but I can't imagine my life without them in it.
9. In addition to reading and writing, I also enjoy knitting. I even have a rocking chair to do my knitting in.
10. I am 5'9" and I love heels...even though I really never have the opportunity to wear them because of my height.

Ten Questions From Ana:

1. Name the book you regret buying and wish you hadn't read.

Strangely enough, the books that I wish I hadn't read I didn't buy. They are the Wheel of Time books, but only the books after book three. I don't think the series should have gone on as long as it has. The first book was great, but by the time you read book four things have slowed way down and there is an overload of characters. Too much is going on and it is hard to follow. Plus all of the books have the same basic plot: Skirmish. Mini battle. Little battle. Slightly bigger battle. Big battle. Huge battle. End. I really wish I hadn't read book seven though. Or even started book eight.

2. A book that you really want to buy but haven't been able to buy it.

All of them. Just kidding, but I actually have a pretty long list of books I want to buy but I don't have the money to buy them. Here are just a few: Tortall and Other Lands by Tamora Pierce; Bewitching by Alex Flinn; Goddess Interrupted by Amiee Carter; Everneath by Brodi Ashton; and The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson.

3. What actor or singer would you want to meet if they were still alive?

I would have loved to meet John Ritter. He was just an amazing person and he was so funny. It was such a shock when he died and I can still remember staying up and watching "8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter" with my mom. Watching the last episode he was on was just heart breaking.

4. Do you have something that you are OCD about?

Um, do you mean my life? OCD runs in my family and I am absolutely nuts about keeping my books in perfect order. I also have to have my kitchen arranged perfectly as well.

5. If all of the hot superheroes asked you out, which one would you pick?

Oh gosh...um...Iron Man or Hawkeye...I'm totally going to have to pick Hawkeye aka: Clint Barton. He is fine. Plus it doesn't hurt that Jeremy Renner played Clint in both Thor and The Avengers. I totally love him.

6. Your phobias?

In no particular order: heights, snakes, spiders, volcanic eruptions, and fire. Don't ask about the volcanic eruptions. It isn't something I can really explain.

7. If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

I would pay off school loans, travel, and with the left over money I would buy books. Now I just need to win the lotto.

8. If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go?

Great Britain. First, I am a huge BBC sci-fi nut and I would love to see where they film Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Torchwood. Second, I have a friend who lives in Scotland. Third, I just love Great Britain, okay?

9. Favorite ice cream flavor or drink?

My favorite ice cream flavor is mud pie. It is coffee, chocolate, and cookie pieces all in one ice cream. What isn't to love?

10. Something you can't live without?

I can't live without my laptop. Even if there wasn't internet, I would be okay because everything I could ever need or want is on my laptop. It is my baby even though I hate it sometimes.

My Tags:

I only have five because I really don't follow many blogs or know many bloggers...

1. What book have you read more than all of your other books?
2. What is your all time favorite movie and why?
3. Coffee or tea?
4. If you could chose one fictional character to be real, who would it be and why?
5. What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?
6. What is your favorite summer activity?
7. If you could be anything, what would you be?
8. What is your favorite television show and why?
9. Who is your favorite character of all time and why? (Doesn't matter if it is from a movie, television show, or book)
10. Do you have any pets? What kinds?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Okay, so this really isn't a novel, but I will be exploring the stupidity of Eragon's character in Brisingr. Like I mentioned in this post here, I believe that Eragon has to be one of the most stupid characters to exist. Okay, so I enjoyed most of the first book and I love Solembum the werecat. Brom was pretty great too, but you have to admit that Eragon's stupidity led to Brom's death. Just saying. After Brom's death Saphira became the voice of reason, but I don't think the dragon should be Eragon's voice of reason. Just because the dragon is smart, doesn't mean that the rider has to be stupid. Why couldn't Eragon just listen for once? Even after all of that I kind of figured it was time to finish reading Brisingr. I am 341 pages into it after all...and have been for almost two years now...*sigh* Maybe he gets better?

I have also read a few more books to be added to the need to review list. These books are:

Real Live Boyfriends by E. Lockhart

Mastiff by Tamora Pierce

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

All three were fun reads and I will review them as soon as I finish reviewing all of the others...at the rate this is going it might take a while though...

In other news, I am done moving into my new apartment at school! It is exciting because it is like a fresh start and my new roommates are totally awesome! For the purposes of this blog they are going to be called Twin 1 and Twin 2. We went to The Amazing Spider-Man on Saturday and it was AMAZING!! Best Spider-Man movie ever! Plus it was Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. How could I not love it? The whole movie was totally drool worthy; both the story line and they acting. Just go see it for yourself if you don't believe me.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold romances continue in this second trilogy of books about the mainly female populated town of Fool's Gold.

Since the town made headlines with its lack of men and its mostly women run town, the men have been pouring in. That isn't the only issue in the little town. A television reality show has made its presence known leaving Dakota Hendrix to navigate the complexities of what happens backstage and making sure that nothing unseemly happens.

Cue Finn Anderssen, whose twin brothers have entered in the show. Making sure nothing unseemly happens is now much harder as Dakota now has to keep an eye on a meddling older brother and the trouble making twins. The thing is, the more time Dakota spends with Finn, the more she falls for him. Both of them know what it is to be heartbroken, but will they both realize that their love will last and that not all love ends in heartbreak?

Another great installment from Susan Mallery. Only Mine not only follows Dakota and Finn, but also Stephen and Aurelia - the only couple in the reality show that have an actual chance of making it. With meddling towns folk and crazy show producers, Dakota and Finn have their hands full. Full of laughter and tears, Only Mine is a heartfelt romance readers will enjoy every time.

Beatrice "Bertie" Shakespeare Smith was left crushed at the end of Eyes Like Stars. Nate was lost to the Sea Goddess and Ariel had almost destroyed the theatre she loves so much. Now she has set out from the Théâtre Illuminata in order to save Nate and to find out about The Mysterious Stranger - the one who made the protective medallion Bertie wears around her neck.

With her ever present fairy friends and Ariel the wind spirt, Bertie must travel across strange lands and into the strange world of the Sea Goddess. Her feelings battle between her childhood love of Ariel, the forbidden and her growing love for Nate, the man who fills her dreams. With her magic arsenal of words on her side, Bertie is headed into deep water - her only hope being that her magic is strong enough to save them all from the Sea Goddess' power.

Mantchev continues the story of Bertie and her friends in the same fashion of the first novel, Eyes Like Stars. Told like a play in many respects, Bertie grows as a character before the eyes of readers. While in some respects she is still a child, Bertie grows up to be a young woman and she protects her own. The mysteries of her past unfold and readers will be reaching for the third installment before they are hardly finished with this second book in the series.

Katniss Everdeen has yet again survived the torments of the Capitol. She doesn't understand why she has survived and the plot that was uncovered in the last book was more than she ever expected. No in the hands of the elusive District 13, Katniss has trouble adjusting to her new life. Not knowing what to expect, Katniss is thrown into a plot that will lead to the destruction of the Capitol and their games for good.

While both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire were both fast paced novels, Mockingjay slows things down. Readers will still flip through the pages, but the action is quite a bit less than before. Katniss' inner turmoil seems to take the center stage more than before. It becomes more clear that she will do what she has to in order for the world to become a better place. Even if that means breaking the trust of those around her.

This conclusion to The Hunger Games trilogy is an exciting end to the story that fans have fall in love with. Who will Katniss choose; Peeta or Gale? Will the Capitol and President Snow fall? Is District 13 the best answer? In a story of loss and betrayal, Katniss will have to choose what side she is on, or if she really is the Mockingjay and will lead her own path.

Giannie Bellisario thought she was just going into Rasmussem Gaming Center to redeem her birthday coupon from her dad. She thought she was just going to play a fun total immersion video game. What she got was way more than she ever bargained for.

Stuck in the game, Giannie must win before her time runs out...the only problem is trying to figure out the right combination in order to actually win the game. If she doesn't figure it out, the consequences would be bad - not just for Rasmusem Enterprises, but also for Giannie. If she doesn't win then she will die for real this time.

The fast paced story Heir Apparent presents is both realistic and entertaining. Giannie is a humorous narrator and it is very clear that she won't put up with any B.S. Even as time runs out, Giannie keeps her humor and her wits. The only way out is to win and she will do what ever it takes to do so. Even if that means making a few mistakes and dying only to be brought back to the beginning of the game once again. Readers will have fun reading this book again and again as Giannie's sarcastic comments never fade into the ordinary.

In this sequel to The Lost Hero, readers finally find out what happened to the missing Percy Jackson. Not only is his memory gone, but he has been dropped in the middle of a possibly hostile Roman camp. He meets two new friends: Hazel and Frank, both of whom have secretes they would rather no one found out...ever.

As the war against the Earth goddess, Gaea, becomes more present and pronounced it is clear that these three unlikely heroes must work together to prove themselves and to fight for what is right. With the Prophecy of Seven looming overhead, will Hazel, Frank, and Percy prove that they are three of the heroes mentioned? Is this "other" camp a safe haven that Percy has always dreamed of? Or is it too good to be true?

The continuation of Percy's story will give readers the plot and depth they were hoping for. It leaves more questions than answers and readers will flip through the pages to find out what will happen next. If readers thought Capture the Flag was dangerous, wait until the see the Roman equivalent. Readers young and old will laugh out loud as Riordan works his humorous magic.

Charlie seems to be the average teen: awkward, on the fringes; the perfect wallflower. In this series of letters broken into four parts, readers learn to love Charlie and his unique sense of being. He shares his world and his struggles. Charlie is a sensitive soul and he touches the souls of readers with his words.

As a Charlie starts high school, readers watch as he makes friends with Sam and Patrick. Even as they accept him into his fold, he still sits on the edge; watching and not participating. There is more to Charlie than readers originally assume as he digs deeper into his past and into his present. His wallflower status allows him to give readers details that many other narrators wouldn't have noticed. He is a wise voice for his age - an old soul in a young body.

Charlie writes letters to a unknown person because it is a way for someone to know him without either party becoming hurt. This is a fantastic read for young adults as it covers a wide range of experience on may face in high school and beyond. While in the beginning he doesn't seem to be a completely truthful narrator, by the end of the book he is a trusted narrator. He reaches inside of himself and becomes more than just a wallflower.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

I am going to be on here more!! Yay!! I'm sure you are wondering what that is all about. I'm getting there, but I have other things to talk about first.

First news, I have moved from my old apartment (otherwise known as the place that gives me nightmares) to the new apartment! It only took us five days to move, then clean, then clean, and unpack. I still don't have everything unpacked, but it looks like an actual apartment now.

Second news, my roommates are back in the states and I can't wait to hang out with them and for all of us to be at our apartment at the same time. In a couple of weeks or so, I might head in that direction and we might see Brave together.

And finally, the news that I'm most excited about (and totally freaked out over...) is I received an email tonight saying that I have been selected for the C.C. Hunter Street Team. When I originally entered I didn't think I would be picked, I hoped, sure, but I didn't think it would actually happen. Then it did and now I am totally freaking out!! I'm so excited and I can't wait!

This means I will be reviewing more and trying to get other people interested in the things that I read. I can't wait to see how it all goes.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

I thought I would make a list of what books I will be reviewing in the near future...hopefully.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Heroes of Olympus: Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantechev

Only Mine by Susan Mallery

Only Yours by Susan Mallery

Only His by Susan Mallery

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Vespers Rising by Various Authors of the 39 Clues series

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

Taken at Dusk by C.C. Hunter

The Kane Chronicles: The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

These are all of the books that I have read since my last review. That is quite a few...which I already knew. I really wish that I had kept up with reviewing books as I read them. This way sucks. But it means that I should be posting more. So, yay!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Unless you see my Tumblr, then I might seem like the best blogger ever. However, that doesn't excuse me not blogging here. I'm just terrible at blogging...the same thing happened when I tried to keep a journal. It is summer now so I really shouldn't have an excuse.

I am going to say something that I'm probably going to regret later, but I'm going to try and get back to book reviews. I have read more books (because books are an addiction just like chocolate) and there are still books that I said I would review and I haven't. *sigh* I have my work cut out for me. And I really will try to blog at least once a week. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. That is a vow I cannot break because it is sacred to Harry Potter fans. And if you know me, I'm a major Harry Potter fan. So here we go. Back into blogging and back into writing. Lord help me.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

ARG! Tumblr is over capacity! I don't think I'll survive...or maybe this is the universe telling me to get off of the internet and do my homework...

Also sorry for being missing from blogging (I'm so good with the blogging once a week thing, not!). Hopefully I won't be so busy soon. And then I can fill ya'll in. And write some book reviews. Doesn't that sound nice? Yeah, I thought it did.

P.S. Met a guy...kind of like him...don't know what to do about that...

Thursday, February 23, 2012

It looks like I will be headed to L.A. for spring break this year! I'm so excited. My friend from school, (who shall remain nameless) who happens to be totally awesome (and Scottish), and I convinced my mom to let us go to L.A. (of course my mom is coming with us, not that I mind. It should be fun). It should be nice and warm and we are going to Disneyland!! We are also planning on tying to go to Fox studios, but that is if we figure it out.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

I know, I know. I've been bad again. There really aren't any good reasons for me not blogging, but I am trying. I have three blogs to keep track of plus my tumblr. Maybe I should delete one, but I don't want to. I want to try and be a good blogger who keeps track of things.

Anyway, I am getting my hair cut today. If you have seen the new NBC TV show Smash then you would know that Katharine McPhee has really cute hair. If you haven't seen the show then I suggest you Google search her and look for the hairstyle where her hair is shoulder length. Or just click here. On top of the cute hairstyle, I am also going to dye my hair red (remember me telling you that my roommate doesn't like gingers? Well, I am going to have fun with this).

I should be back to reviewing books in a few days. I have been a bit bogged down with school work (so many things I have to read O.O).

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Just found out that tomorrow is a snow day. The campus is going to be totally closed tomorrow! No nasty Thursday classes!! Today also started with my teacher canceling the one class I had today. Supernatural marathons are a go (I keep using exclamation points...but I really don't care because I am excited)!

And last night I had a pretty wonderful night as well. I had a party/meeting for one of the classes I had last semester - a kind of wrapping everything up sort of thine - and there was this guy there. He submitted to our journal and he was really nice. He introduced himself and I shook his hand. We talked for about a second and then journals were handed out. I talked to people in my group and then left...at exactly the same time he did.

He held the door open for me and and he started talking to me. We walked a little ways in the snow and wind and he compared the weather to Russian weather and told me about how one of his parents used to be subscribed to National Geographic and that was how he got hooked on Russian culture. I said that I was similarly hooked on the UK and we started talking about the UK and how things are between the US and the UK. It was interesting that he knew so much about the economics and the politics involved with the two countries.

It was just before we changed topics that he asked me which way I was walking and I told him that I had to walk down the main hill. He said that he would keep walking with me because he likes "talking to people" even though he lives in the complete opposite direction. We walked down the hill section of the Mall and he asked me what my major was. I told him and he seemed genuinely interested in what I was telling him.

By that point we had reached the area where I would have to continue down the hill and he would have to come with me or go back up the hill. He said that he had to go and that it was a pleasure to meet me and I said likewise. He held out his hand and I gave him mine thinking that he was going to shake it and then he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it. I am pretty sure I blushed and totally freaked out on the inside. We said goodbye and now I am kicking myself for not getting his number. He was so sweet and I'm not even sure if the name he gave us is his real name or if it was a pen name. I do know that if I will ever see him again. *le sigh*

Here are some gifs that express my feelings (plus the red pandas because how cute are they?):

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

This is probably a hate/love sort of thing because if I really hated Steven Moffat I would stop watching his shows (meaning I would go though some serious withdrawals because Doctor Who and Sherlock are staples in my life). However I cannot forgive him for the emotional trauma I went through on Sunday night when I watched the series two finale of Sherlock.

I was fine until I watched John break down. If anything was going to get me it would be John. I had a minor moment of panic when that solitary tear ran down Sherlock's face, but I kept it together until John was shouting at Sherlock's headstone; demanding that Sherlock still be alive. Even though I know how the books went, I was still in shock at what had happened and then Moffat pulls one of his famous "What the hell?!?" moments. Thanks for that Moffat, thanks. Like I don't already get enough of those with Doctor Who? By the way, it is also not appropriate to troll the internet.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Melinda Sordino is a typical teenager. Or she used to be before a party the summer before ninth grade. She called the cops and everyone knows about it making her the loser, the outcast, the pariah. Her only friend at the beginning of the school year is the new girl, Heather, and that is only because Heather doesn't know any better.

Struggling socially and academically, Melinda hardly speaks and she won't even admit to herself what is wrong. Her friends have ditched her, never once asking for her side of the story, and a popular senior boy terrifies her just by looking at her. The only person who seems to be on her side is her art teacher Mr. Freeman who has given her a year long art project with the theme of "trees".

Lost in the new world of high school, Melinda must find her voice and face that dreaded night before the start of school. If not, she may lose herself and her voice all together.

Geared toward female readers (but appropriate for males as well), Speak is a perfect example of how a victim may deal with a life altering experience. Readers will follow Melinda's story and feel the pain, angst, and rage the Melinda herself feels. The reveal of her experience is horrifying and readers will feel shocked even with the hints that lead up to the climax. This is a book for mature readers, but it is enjoyable all the same. It deals with several of the traumas many deal with at the high school level, even if our experiences are not the same as Melinda's.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Katniss Everdeen has survived the games, but a what cost? In the suspenseful sequel to The Hunger Games, Katniss must tour the districts with her fellow winner Peeta Mellark and convince the nation that her "rebellious" act at the end of the games was out of her love for Peeta and not in fact a sign of rebellion.

In a time when Katniss should be happy and relieved, she is anything but as changes are made to District 12 and as the 75th Hunger Games approach. It is clear to Katniss that her fight for survival is no where near over. She has made powerful enemies in the Capitol and both Peeta and her friend Gale Hawthorne are keeping their distance.

Will Katniss be able to survive what the Capitol throws at her? Is there more to her feelings for Gale and Peeta than she realizes? And what exactly happened to District 13?

Catching Fire begins almost directly after The Hunger Games. Katniss is still the strong character we all know her to be, but there are moments when readers will want to smack her. Readers will once again lose themselves in a the dystopian world that Collins has created and chapters will fly by. As most of the book takes place in District 12, readers will learn more about Katniss and her family as well as the people of the place she calls home. Old characters will warm hearts even as suspense builds and new characters will cause heart stopping fear. Readers will be begging for the third book in the trilogy by the time they have finished reading this second fast paced installment.

Monday, January 2, 2012

In this sequel toThe Hourglass Door, Abby faces even more danger than before. While she waits for Dante, she is able to see proof that Zo is messing with her life, tweaking things and making things disappear all together. Abby knows that she is helpless and that Dante is the only who who can stop Zo, but Dante seems to be trapped in the darkness behind the destroyed hourglass door.

Abby's life is spinning out of control as her relationships with the people around her are stressed to the breaking point. Zo's powers are greater than she ever imagined possible and she isn't sure if there is a way to stop him. Will love conquer all or will Zo have the last say?

The Golden Spiral is the heart stopping sequel to The Hourglass Door. Things pick up almost right after the end of the previous book and the pace never slow. Abby's determination to make things right propels the book in the the dark spaces of the manipulated world she now lives in. Something is going to have to give and readers know that neither Abby nor Zo will give up until their goals are met or one of them is dead. Romance, mystery, and intrigue move the plot along and make The Golden Spiral a great choice for a quick read.

For as long as Kate can remember it has always been just her and her mom. Now that her mom is dying of cancer they move back to Kate's mother's hometown. For Kate this means starting over at a new school in her senior year with no friends and the fear that her mother won't live past fall.

Right off Kate makes an enemy of the head cheerleader, Ava, who tricks her into going to a party - aka: an unfamiliar place where Ava plans to ditch her. Only things go terribly wrong and Ava dies. Enter Henry: tall, dark, mysterious, and extremely powerful. He claims to be the god of the underworld. To prove it he brings Ava back to life and makes a bargain with Kate; Kate will come to live with him and try to pass seven tests and he will keep her mother alive. Suddenly Kate finds her life turned upside down with the possibility of her being able to live. If she succeeds, she will become Henry's future wife and a goddess. If she fails, she will surely die.

While the book beings slowly and is a bit confusing, it picks up the pace as readers follow Kate into Henry's realm. The Goddess Test is an interesting combinations of romance and mystery as there is someone lurking in the shadows trying to make Kate fail. Kate finds it difficult to trust the man who has taken away her freedom, but at the same time she must believe that he will be able to help save her mother. While this is a story of Persephone and Hades, it is not quite the same as the ancient tale. Several other gods and goddesses make their appearance only readers have to make their guesses as to who is who. It is a fast and enjoyable read for those looking for a little romance and a bit of mystery.

Here's the plan. I am going to make at least one post a week...or try to anyways. I am also going to read one book a month and review it. As it is, I still have a bunch of books I need to review because I have read them over the last few months. Seriously, school sucks and it is a black hole where time is sucked away from me.

In my free time I will try to blog (and not just on Tumblr...). So here's to a happy new year!